The Effectiveness of Using the Guideline of Referring for Patients at Srisangworn Sukhothai Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Seamless referral of emergency patients to healthcare facilities with appropriate capabilities is essential for preventing mortality and ensuring patient safety.

Research objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of patient transfer guidelines and assessed professional nurses' satisfaction with their utilization at Srisangworn Sukhothai Hospital.

Research methodology: This action research employed purposive sampling method to select participants according to specified criteria. The sample consisted of 203 professional nurses who completed questionnaires regarding the implementation of patient transfer care guidelines and their satisfaction with the patient transfer care guidelines at Srisangworn Sukhothai Hospital. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics.

Results: The implementation of the referral approach showed that: 1) the mortality rate during patient transfer was 1.26%, 2) the referral success rate was 94%, and 3) the rate of adverse events during patient transfer was less than 2.4%. Professional nurses implemented the patient referral guidelines at a good level (M = 2.82, SD = .36). The professional nurses' satisfaction with the referral guidelines was at a high level (M = 3.74, SD = .81).

Conclusions: The referral guidelines facilitate efficient and safe patient transfers, providing significant benefits to patient care at Srisangworn Sukhothai Hospital while promoting collaborative efforts in quality improvement.

Implications: Healthcare professionals can implement the patient referral guidelines in the hospital's Emergency Department and utilize them as a standardized protocol for nursing activities to ensure safe patient transfers.